SCR Gears Up for Sankranti Rush at Key Stations

 Hyderabad: The South Central Railway said it had place extensive arrangements at major stations in view of the passenger rush for the Sankranti week. The average daily passenger footfall during the period is expected to be around 2.2 lakh at Secunderabad, 50,000 at Lingampally and 35,000 at Charlapally.

Ground operation teams comprising TTEs and RPF personnel have been deployed at Secunderabad station. Additional staff have been posted at all entry and exit points. A war room has been opened at the divisional headquarters. Construction sites have been fully barricaded and obstructions at passenger movement points have been cleared.

At Secunderabad station, 17 booking counters and 20 automatic ticket vending Machines (ATVMs) are functioning to facilitate passengers. Commuters are also being encouraged to use the RailOne mobile application for ticketing services.

Railway authorities said that due to redevelopment works at Secunderabad station, parking has been temporarily suspended. Limited pick-up and drop-off facilities are available at Platform No. 1. To ease congestion, the parking access control system at the Bhoiguda entrance on the Platform No. 10 side has been temporarily lifted. Passengers have been advised to use the basement parking facility at Platform No. 10.

Additional stoppages have been provided from January 7 to January 20 for 16 trains at Hi-Tec City station and for 11 trains at Charlapally station. Temporary stoppages at Lingampally have been provided for 10 trains up to January 30. Baggage screening facilities have also been arranged at Platform No. 1 at Lingampalli station. Passengers have been advised to make use of these stoppages and reach stations well in advance during peak hours.